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IN OLD HADLEY 



BY 



G. C. MARSH 



NORTHAMPTON, MASS. 
F. M. CRITTENDEN, PRINTER 

1920 










IN OLD HADLEY 



BY 



G. C. MARSH 




COPYRIGHTED 1920 
All rights reserved 









\ v 



OCT 20 1920 ©CID 55824 



IN OLD HADLEY 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

John Russell, First Minister of Hadley. 

Captain Aaron Cook, a Settler from Northampton. 

Peter Tilton, the Magistrate. 

Lieut. Samuel Smith, a Settler. 

Phillip Russell, the Minister's brother. 

Daniel Marsh, A young pioneer scout. 

John Marsh, Daniel's father. 

Wm. Goffe, a former General in Cromwell's Army. ("Angel deliverer of 
Hadley.") 

Edward Whalley, another General in Cromwell's Army. (Goffe's father-in- 
law.) 

Samuel Crow and Philip Smith, leaders of. roisters. 

Edward Grannis, William Rooker, Joseph Selding and Thomas Crofts, roisters. 

Chileab Smith, Tithing-man. 

Stephen Terry, Constable. 

Negro Jack, a slave in the Minister's house. 

Teto, a friendly Indian and companion of Daniel Marsh, on the trail. 

Mary Webster, the Hadley witch. 

Elizabeth Markham, Daniel's aunt. 

Hepzibah Marsh, Daniel's step-mother. 

Ruth Warner, hopes to marry Daniel. 

Hannah Lewis, from Farmington, Ct. 

Note: Cast can be considerably shortened by doubling up minor parts, 

who have but little to say. 

SYNOPSIS:— Time 1664, early days of settlement of Hadley. Costumes 
of early colonial period, etc. Settlers', soldiers' and Indians'. Furnishings 
should be crude, representative of that earlier time. Spinning-wheels, reels, 
etc., should be introduced as much as possible. 

SYNOPSIS OF SCENES 

Act I, Scene 1. Home of Parson Russell. Evening. Fireplace, b. c. r. 
Door b. c. and sides. Table c. Chairs or stools arranged about stage. Parson 
Russell end of table b. c. Captain Aaron Cook, Peter Tilton right of table. 
Lieut. Samuel Smith and Phillip Russell, left of table, all seated. 

Mr. Russell — "Our friends should arrive shortly." 

Lieut. Smith — "It seemeth to me that we be running great danger in giv- 
ing shelter to these men. King Charles hath set a value upon their heads; 
his soldiers be even now making much search for them; they have already been 
hunted from many places. What profiteth it us to give them shelter? If the 
King but find them here, it meaneth dire calamity to all who doth befriend 
them." 

Mr. Russell — "Doubtless thou art right, Lieut. Smith, but, even so, it 
seemeth to me but right that we do befriend, even succor these unhappy men if, 
so be it, that they arrive safely in Hadley. 'I was a stranger and ye' took me 
in, 'saith the Lord. These unfortunate men but did their duty, as it seemed 
to them right to db, even as we thought it right for us to do, when we left 
our homes in Connecticut to found this settlement in the wilderness. As God 
so led us to this sroodly place, it seemeth but right to me to offer shelter to 
them, else I should not have done so." 



Lieut. Smith— "I doubt not, Mr. Russell, but what thou didst do as seem- 
eth right to thee. Far be it from me to dispute thy reason for offering these 
unfortunate men an asylum in Hadley. I be but thinking of the calamity that 
will surely come to us, if it reach the ear of King Charles the Second, that we 
have befriended two of the Judges who condemned his father, Charles the 
First, to the scaffold. .What dost thou think, Captain Cook?" 

Capt. Aaron Cook — "Of the danger that overshadows us, if we do receive 
them here, thou hast spoken truly, Lieutenant Smith. We have heard of the 
punishment meted out to the Judges whom Charles the Second hath captured 
in England, also what happened to those who did befriend them. It is true, 
as thou hast said, that if we do succor them in Hadley, and it comes to the ear 
of Charles, it speaketh of grave danger to all who befriend these hunted men, 
knowing, as we do, that the King's soldiers are seeking them among the col- 
onies, yet, I do but agree with Mr. Russell, that it be our duty to succor 
them." 

Peter Tilton — "Such be my opinion, also, Captain Cook. Thee speaketh 
of the danger to ourselves, Lieutenant Smith, have we not often faced danger? 
Are we not always facing it in Hadley at this time ? These dangers we have 
faced, and must continue to face for many future days. Thee would not have 
us run from them, wouldst thou, Lieutenant Smith?" 

Lieut. Smith — "Of a surety not. These dangers we are prepared to meet, 
if needs be." 

Mr. Russell — "Must we not meet, and overcome the dangers that may 
come upon if we receive these unhappy men? Their danger be greater than 
ours. If these unhappy men are taken by Charles the Second, inhuman torture 
will be meted out to them. If we be seized by the minions of the King, im- 
prisonment, or fine, is doubtless what our lot would be, but these unhappy men 
must surely meet torture, if they be taken." 

Lieut. Smith — "Captain Cook and Mr. Tilton are agreed with thee. What 
doth thy brother say? (turns to Phillip Russell) What be thy opinion, Phillip?" 

Phillip Russell — "I agree with Captain Cook and Mr. Tilton, and of a 
surety, with my brother." 

Lieut. Smith — "But why is not John Marsh here ? Was he not summoned 
to this council ?" 

Mr. Russell — "He was; he be waiting for news of his son, Daniel, whom 
as thou knowest, was sent to escort the Generals to this settlement by the 
safest and quickest path." 

Lieut. Smith — "That be another thing that I can but disagree with thee 
about. Why was Daniel Marsh sent on such a mission ? He be but a strip- 
ling, and o'er young to be entrusted with such a hazardous undertaking." _ 

Mr. Russell — "In years, surely he be young, but hast thou forgotten, Lieu- 
tenant Smith, that, though a stripling, Daniel Marsh hath shown wonderful 
woodcraft?" 

Lieut. Smith — "Of his woodcraft I have no fears, but to be entrusted with 
so secret a mission, as this must needs be, it doth seem that it would have 
been more meet to have sent an older person; one with more discretion than 
such a stripling as Daniel Marsh can possibly have. He be but a boy." 

Phillip Russell — "As to that, it was I who suggested him as the one to go. 
As thou knowest, Lieut. Smith, he and the young Indian, Teto, are inseparable, 
and, as thou also doth know, Teto is the advance scout, so to speak, of Daniel. 
Teto be fleet of foot, and tireless on the trail. Daniel would send him ahead 
to mark out the trail, and would follow that trail." 

Lieut. Smith — "That young Indian be another full young for such a 
mission, so it seemeth to me. Belike if Charles's minions should get him, he 
would betray us to them." 

Mr. Russell — "Thee art a doubting Thomas, Lieutenant Smith, else thou 
wouldst know that Teto would lay his life down for Daniel Marsh." 

Lieut. Smith — "I see that thee art all opposed to my counsel. Thee may 
be right. Whether thee be or not, far be it from me to falter. Let us wait 
the coming of John Marsh." (A knock.) 

Mr. Russell — "That must be he. (Enter J. M. 1.) We were but now 
speaking of thee, John. What tidings doth thee bring?" 

John Marsh — "Teto, the young Indian, hath but just now left my house. 
My son, Daniel, awaiteth the darkness to escort the Generals to Hadley." 



Mr. Russell— "Where be they now?" 

John Marsh — "Teto left them in camp on Mt. Holyoke. They have doubt- 
lass left the mountain for this settlement by now, and may be even now close 
to Hadley. Teto did inform me that they would follow close upon his trail." 
(A whistle heard from without.) 

Mr. Russell — "That may be them. I will go and see if it be." 

(Exit Mr. R. 1.) 

Lieut. Smith — (to J. M.) "Dost thou think that this venture be a wise one, 
John?" 

John Marsh — "Did I not think so, I would not have allowed my son to go, 
Lieutenant Smith." 

Lieut. Smith — "But the danger?" 

John Marsh — "I admit that there be danger, but nevertheless, I think that 
it be our duty to succor these unhappy men." 

Lieut. Smith — "But, John, hast thou not considered what it doth portend tu 
thy son, if Charles the Second but learns of it?" 

John Marsh — "Yes, but even so, I bade my son go with my blessing." 

(Enter 1, Mr. R. and Daniel Marsh, dressed as a scout.) 

Mr. Russell— "Here be Daniel Marsh. The Generals await without the 
stockade." 

Capt. Cook — (rising) "Then let them enter, (to Lieut. S.) Surely, Lieu- 
tenant Smith, now that they have arrived, thou wilt assist in their protec- 
tion?" 

Lieut. Smith — "Of a surety! Having put my hand to the plow, I turn not 
back, (to Daniel Marsh.) Didst thou meet with danger on the trail, Daniel?" 

Daniel Marsh — "Nothing of grave nature. Teto did mark the trail well, 
(to Mr. R.) Shall I show them in, Mr. Russell?" 

Mr. Russell — "Of a certainty." 

Daniel Marsh — "They be without the stockade. Who will assist me in 
getting them within? One of them be aged, and much worn by the journey 
from New Haven." 

Capt. Cook — "Let us all go, save Mr. Russell; let him remain here to 
receive them." 

(All but Mr. Russell exit 1. Mr. R. stands c. hands upraised. 1 

Mr. Russell (as rest exit) — "In as much as ye did it unto the least of 
these, ye did it unto me. I was a stranger and ye took me in. I was 
a-hungered, and ye fed me. I was athirst, and ye gave me drink. Forget not 
the stranger within thy gate!" 

(Enter Daniel Marsh, Generals Whalley and Goffe, 1.) 

Daniel Marsh — "These be the strangers, Mr. Russell, whom I wast sent 
to escort to Hadley." 

Mr. Russell — (grasping hand of each in turn) "Welcome to Hadley, my 
friends, (to Daniel.) Thou hast done well, Daniel, (to W. and G.) Again I 
give thee welcome. May it please the dear Lord above that thou hast found 
a safe abiding place in this settlement, (to D. M.) Thee had better go to thy 
home now, Daniel, and seek thy much needed rest. I do not need to tell thee 
that silence is golden, concerninec these whom thou hast so safely escorted to 
Radley through the wilderness, (raises hand in benediction.) Fare thee well, 
Daniel. " 

(Exit Daniel, 1.) 

Mr. Russell — (to W. & G., as Daniel departs.) "Rest thee, my brothers, 
whilst I get food and nourishment for thee." 

Goffe — "I pray thee, sir, trouble thyself not for that We were sumptiously 
fed by our young guide before we left the mountain. If thou wilt but show 
us a place to sleep we will not trespass unon thee further tonight. My name 
be Goffe. My companion be my father-m-law. Edward Whalley. As thou hast 
heard of our sorrows, doubtless, we will not discuss them." 

Whalley — (querulously) "Sorrows, William? They be more than sorrows! 
We but did our duty, as we didst see it, and how have we been made to suffer ? 
Obliged to flee our native land, and our friends, to escape the wrath of a 
tyrant! Hounded from one ptece to another, like some evil thinar, and all 
because we saw our duty and did not shrink from it. To make it worse, we 
were handed over to a stripling to escort us throuph new dangers! Why was 
this stripling sent to be our escort? Is not our titles sufficient to have other 



than a boy and an Indian as escort?" 

Mr. Russell — "I fully appreciate the sufferings that thou must needs have 
endured, sir. As to this young scout who did escort thee, it seemed best to 
us that he, rather than an older person, should attempt the mission; he, be 
young, but he knoweth the way of the wilderness perhaps better than some 
of the older men. Teto, the young Indian who did accompany him, is tireless 
on the trail, and fleet of foot; he be also much attached to Daniel Marsh, the 
young scout, and would be of much help to him in seeking out, and marking 
the safest and surest trail." 

Goffe — "Of that, Mr. Russell, I feel confident. I do implore thee, sir, not 
to think us ungrateful', or unappreciative. My father be fatigued from the 
long journey; after he is rested he will express his appreciation of what thee, 
and thy associates, hath done for us. The young scout whom thou didst send 
is a wonderful woodsman. He hath shown much wisdom and foresight." 

Mr. Russell — "Though young in years, Daniel be old in woodcraft. He 
was but a child when we removed to this place from Connecticut, but even 
at that tender age he showed much promise of becoming what we, of Hadley, 
have seen fulfilment of. Goodman John Marsh, whom thou didst meet this 
evening, is his father. His mother was the daughter of Governor John 
Webster, a prudent and wise magistrate; wise in counsel, and brave of action, 
but the Lord took him in the earlier days of this settlement." 

Goffe — "And the others, are they to be trusted to keep our secret?" 
Mr. Russell — "Of a surety, else would I not have taken them into my 
counsel. Captain Aaron Cook joined us from Northampton; he be a bold and 
venturesome man; one of our strong pillars. Lieutenant Smith be another 
strong man. Mr. Peter Tilton be our magistrate. Of my brother Phillip, 
whom thou didst also see here, I may say naught else. That he be my brother 
is surety that he will not bring harm to me." 

Whalley — "But why didst need so lar^e a number? Belike that the fewest 
knowing of our presence here were the safest way." 

Mr. Russell — "Be not fearful of any of these betraying thee. It be nec- 
essary for thy safety that there be others in the secret, in order to provide 
other abiding places for thee, and thy son, should danger threaten this house 
because of thy presence in it. Rest assured, however, that every thought con- 
ce^-nine: thy safety, whilst thou abideth in Hadley, hath been taken into con- 
sideration." 

Whalley — "Still, it seemeth best to me, that the fewest knowing; of our 
presence in this settlement, would be the surest means of safety. We have 
been through many perils, and escaped not a few dangers, because of our earn- 
est convictions. Had we not thought Charles the First deserving of the pun- 
shment inflicted upon him, we would not have taken the share in it that we 
did. We were actuated by our love for England." 

Mr. Resell — "Of that, there can be no doubt. The Lord hath seen fit 
to afflict thee, but hath He not also protected thee, thus far?" 

Goffe — "Of that we be the living example of that loving care. Thou 
seemeth to forget, father, that, while many of our associates hath suffered, 
and suffered far worse than has yet been inflicted upon us. we have been' mer- 
cifully spared. But the night hath far advanced. Our friend hath not had 
the opportunity to rest during the day that we hath had; his work of the mor- 
row is yet before him. Let us retire to our beds and permit our e:ood friend 
Mr. Russell to seek the rest that he doubtless be in sore need of. If thou wilt 
show us to our room, Mr. Russell, we will seek the rest that we may from our 
long iourney from New Haven." 

Mr, Russell — "As thou wilt. Come with me. (Takes lighted candle and 
leads off r. Goffe and Whallev follow.) 

Russell — (from without^ "This be thy room. I trust that thy {previous 
dangers be over. May God watch over thee and ffive thee peace. Good night." 
(Re-enters and seats himself at table, c. and reads Psalm VII.) 
Mr. Russell — (reading) "O Lord my God. in Thee do I put my trust; save 
me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me. Oh let the wickedness 
of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just; for the righteous God 
trieth the hearts and reins." (Closes book and folds hands on it.) "Even so 
Lord, will I believe." (Bows head upon folded arms on table. Low music 
as curtain is lowered.) 



SYNOPSIS 

Time 1664, early days of settlement of Hadley. 

Costumes of early colonial period, etc. Settlers' soldiers' and Indians.' 
Furnishings should be crude, representative of that early time. Spinning- 
wheels, reels, etc., should be introduced as much as possible. 
SYNOPSIS OF SCENES 

Act I — Home of John Russell, the first minister of Hadley. Evening. 
Meeting of council. • Arrival of Gens. Goffe and Whallcy, two of the "regicides" 
who were members of the House of Judges that condemned King Charles the 
First of England to the scaffold. 

Act II — Scene 1 — Arrival of Hannah Lewis from Farmington, Connecticut. 
Scene 2 — Home of Daniel Marsh in Hadley. Scene 3 — Two months later. 
Ferry Gate. Evening. 

Act III — Scene 1 — The King's soldiers arrive in Hadley, seeking the regi- 
cides, Goffe and Whalley. Scene 2 — Home of Parson John Russell. 

Act IV — Scene 1 — Attack of Indians upon Hadley, and their repulse by 
settlers, led by Gen. Goffe, the "Angel Deliverer of Hadley." Tableau, "Angel 
Deliverer." 

Act V — Scene 1 — Daniel Marsh's camp on Mt. Holyoke, where his father 
visits him and urges him to give up the trail and return to settle down in 
Hadley. Scene 2 — Daniel decides to give up the trail, and returns to settle 
down in Hadley. Scene 3 — Tableau, "The Angel of Hadley." 

Note: If desired, "Dear Old Hadley" may be sung between Act I and 
Act II, or as curtain rises. 

Act II — Scene 1. — Arrival of Hannah Lewis in Hadley. Ferry Gate, lower 
end of Hadley Street. Afternoon. Some years later. Stockade rear of stage; 
buck of stockade, pine woods. Trees and bushes at gate end of street. Seat 
built of lo^s or slabs, just inside of gate. 

Someone speaking behind scene — "There be the witch! Drive her back; 
she hath a devil!" 

(Sound of confusion outside. Enter r. Mary Webster, the Hadley witch, 
who shakes hand off r. as she enters, and exhibits anger.) 

Mary Webster — "Oh ye cowards! Ye sons of cowards! (gesticulates 
wildly.) Ye be a disgrace to the mothers who bore ye! When such as ye come 
to govern Hadley, no honest ones will be safe!" 

(Enter 1. Philip Smith, Edward Gannis, Joseph Selding, Jonathan Gilbert, 
Win. Rooker, Thomas Croft, roisters, led by Samuel Crow. Roisters try to 
seize witch, she escapes them and rushes c. turns and starts suddenly towards 
them pointing finger at them and they retreat 1. Witch follows them, saying, 
"Aha-a-a! So a woman can scare ye? Cowards! every mother's son of ye!" 
(they again close in upon her. She retreats, c.) "Back, ye cowards! (again 
starts toward them with raised hands) "A pretty pass when a lone woman can 
not be safe from such as ye!" (Samuel Crow and Philip Smith rush upon her; 
she retreats 1.) "So ho-o-o, Samwell Crow and Philip Smith, ye be the two who 
lead this band of roisters, be ye? 'Twere well for thee that Stephen Terry be 
not here!" (they try to seize her again.) "Back, I say! Back, ve cowards!" 

( Daniel Marsh quickly enters, 1. and steps between witch and roisters.) 

Daniel Marsh — "What meaneth these unseemingly actions ? Why dost thou 
threaten this woman?" 

Samuel Crow — "Defend her not. Daniel. She be a witch." 

Philip Smith— "She hath a devil!" 

Daniel Marsh — 'Tis not for thee, Philip Smith, to touch her, even if she 
be a witch, which I do not believe." 

Samuel Crow — "I forget that she be your uncle's wife, Daniel." 

Philip Smith — "Beware, Daniel, else she bewitch thee." 

Daniel Marsh — "I fear her not. 'Tis only those who like her not, who 
call her a witch. Mary Webster, e;o thy way. Naught shall befall thee if I 
can prevent it." (Mary Webster passes off 1. Roisters, except Samuel Crow, 
pass out r.) 

Samuel Crow — (to Daniel) "Hast brought she whom thou wert sent to 
escort to Hadley?" 

Daniel Marsh — "She be without the Ferry gate." 



Samuel Crow — "Be she comely?" 

Daniel Marsh — "That she be. She hath been good company on the trail. 
The most of the company stopped before we arrived in Hadley." 

Samuel Crow (suspiciously) — "Wast with her much on the trail?" 

Daniel Marsh— "All that I could be." 

Samuel Crow — "What dost think of her?" 

Daniel Marsh — (starts, and looking sharply at Crow) "Of what concern is 
it of thine, what I think of Hannah Lewis?" 

Samuel Crow — (still suspiciously) "It may mean more to me, than thou 
thinkest." 

Daniel Marsh — (coldly) "I will not question thee, as thou hast me, Samuel 
Crow, but will at once return to my charge whom I left with Teto, without the 
gate while I came forward to see whom thee, and thy roisters, were molest- 
ing." (Exit 1.) 

Samuel Crow — (aside) "So it seemeth that Daniel Marsh be interested in 
this maiden, (shrugs shoulders.) Doth he not know why she cometh to Had- 
ley? I will wait by these bushes." (steps behind them.) 

(Enter 1. Daniel Marsh and Hannah Lewis.) 

Daniel Marsh — (to maiden) "Thy journey hath nearly ended. This be the 
Ferry gate to Hadley. Thy grandfather and thy sister, live up the street 
further." 

Hannah Lewis — "I had hoped that they would meet me upon my arrival, 
but I do not see them." (looking around stage.) 

Daniel Marsh — "It be not certain when I will return from the trail, and 
doubtless they did not know when thou wouldst arrive." 

Samuel Crow — (stepping from concealment) "Is this the maiden thou 
wert sent to escort to Hadley, Daniel?" 

Daniel Marsh — "Yes." (to maiden.) "This be Samuel Crow." 

Samuel Crow — (to maiden) "If thou art Hannah Lewis, thy sister, Sarah 
Boltwood, and thy grandfather Lewis, asked me to meet thee at the Ferry 
gate as they did not know when thou wouldst arrive, (to Daniel.) I will 
relieve thee of thy duty now, Daniel. Thou hast safely carried out thy mission, 
and canst now go to thy home, (to maiden.) I will escort thee to thy sis- 
ter." 

Daniel Marsh — (quickly) "Thou seemeth to think that she prefereth thy 
escort to mine, (coolly.) It were well to see what she desireth. (to H. L.) 
Shall I escort thee to thy journey's end?" 

Hannah Lewis — "Why shouldst thee not ? Hast thee not safely guided me 
to this settlement? Of a surety thine is the privilege of placing me in the 
keeping of my people. There be no objections to both of you accompanying 
me, if thou dost wish." 

Samuel Crow — (Exhibits impatience and is about to comply, then checks 
himself and says) "To be sure it be the privilege of Daniel Marsh to escort 
thee to thy people. 'Tis that for which he was engaged to do." 

Hannah Lewis — "Then let us hasten that I may the sooner greet my 
sister, (to S. C.) Wilt thou also come?" 

Samuel Crow — (coolly) "I will not intrude." 

Hannah Lewis — "I am sure it will be no intrusion." 

Samuel Crow — "I will stop by the gate awhile longer. Mayhap I will see 
thee at some other time." 

(Daniel and Hannah move r. As they pass, out, Daniel looks triumph- 
antly over shoulder at Crow, who follows and looks after them, but does not 
pass off.) 

Samuel Crow — (aside) "So ho, Daniel Marsh, thou hast seemingly won. 
Have a care. Thou knowest not why Hannah Lewis wast summoned to Hadley. 
Have a care." (threateningly.) 

(Enter r. Mary Webster. Discovers Crow looking after D. M. and H. L.) 
Mary Webster — (quickly, to Crow) "Aha-a-a, Samwell Crow! (He starts.) 
So Hannah Lewis hath arrived but Daniel Marsh (mockingly) and not thee, 
be escorting her to her people. Have a care, Samwell Crow, Daniel Marsh may 
yet win the maiden. Twere well for her if she doth take him and not thee." 
(She starts toward Crow who exhibits fear and raises arm as if to ward her 
off.) 



9 

Samuel Crow — "Come not near me, you witch! (She still advances.) Keep 
away, I say!" 

Mary Webster — "Aha-a-a, Samwell Crow, thou art not so bold as thou 
wert when thou didst have thy roisters with thee, (raises arm and points 
toward him.) Listen, Samwell Crow, thou mayst wed Hannah Lewis, but thou 
wilt not have her love! Aha-a-a!" 

(Moves 1. and as she passes him he steps aside as though in fear of her. 
As she reaches his side she jumps quickly toward him as though to catch hold 
of him; he jumps away from her.) 

Mary Webster — "Aha-a-a, (mockingly) my brave Crow, so thou art afraid 
of Mary Webster when thou art alone, (motions toward him.) His-s-s-st!" 

(He jumps aside; she passes out 1. laughing.) 

Samuel Crow — "Why dost not the Constable arrest that witch! Will he 
wait till she has cast her evil spell on more?" (Exit r.) 

Scene 2 — Home of Daniel Marsh, Hepzibah, Daniel's step-mother, skeining 
yarn, r. c. Ruth Warner, showily dressed, seated 1. c. 

Note: Care should be taken that R. W. be not over showily dressed, but 
she should be more so than other women. 

Ruth Warner — "Didst thou say that Daniel was expected to reach Hadley 
shortly?" 

Hepzibah Marsh — "Yes. Teto brought word that the company arrived in 
Springfield yesterday noon. They were to start from there early this morn- 
ing. Daniel, and Hannah Lewis, with a few for Hadley and Northampton, 
would come up the river by boats. If they started by sun-up, they should be 
here by sun-down today." 

Ruth Warner — "Would they come by transport, or by canoe?" 

Hepzibah Marsh — "Daniel and the Lewis maiden would come by canoe, so 
said Teto." 

Ruth Warner — "If they come by canoe, Daniel and this Lewis maiden 
would be in a canoe alone, dost not think so?" 

Hepzibah — "Doubtless, but why shouldst thou care how they came ? Dost 
think the maiden would bewitch Daniel?" (Enter Mary Webster quickly.) 

Mary Webster — (angrily) "What sayest thou about the witch?" 

(H. M. and R. W. start quickly and appear afraid of the witch.) 

Hepzibah Marsh — "We were but speaking of Daniel and the Lewis maiden, 
who, as thou dost doubtless know, be expected to soon arrive in Hadley." 

Mary Webster — "They hath arrived, but what hath that to do with being 
bewitched? Dost thou think, Hepzibah Lyman, that I have — (Hepzibah inter- 
rupts her with a gesture.) 

Hepzibah Marsh — "Nay, I did not say so, Mary Webster. It were but an 
idle expression. Ruth was wondering if Daniel and the maiden w T ould be in 
a canoe alone in the journey up the river from Springfield, and I was but 
joking her for fearing that the maiden would bewitch Daniel." 

Mary Webster — (sarcastically) "And 'twere well for him if the Lewis 
maiden, and not Ruth Warner, who hath been so long trying to wind her spell 
about him, should be the one. Aha-a-a!" 

Ruth Warner — (angrily) "Mary Webster, thou hath.no right to speak 
thus of me!" 

Mary Webster — "Aha-a-a, Ruth Warner, so the shaft struck home, hey? 
'Twere well for Daniel Marsh if he be not caught in thy web." 

Hepzibah Marsh — "Mary Webster, thou art speaking to my guest." 

Mary Webster — "So-ho-o, Hepzibah Lyman, thou wouldst intimate that 
Daniel's aunt be intruding." 

Hepzibah Marsh — "I said not so." 

Mary Webster — "Not in those exact words, but Mary Webster, whom thou, 
and many others, deem a witch, can plainly see what was meant." 

(Enter John Marsh, r.) 

John Marsh — "What meaneth these unseemingly words, Hepzibah?" 

Hepzibah Marsh — "Ruth Warner and I were talking of Daniel and the 
Lewis maiden. Mary Webster came in and accused us of talking of her." 

John Marsh — (to M. W.) "Mary Webster, why wilt thou constantly try to 
make trouble in this settlement?" 

Mary Webster — "If thou wert not first the husband of my sister-in-law, 
mayhap I would not submit calmly to thy censure." 



10 

John Marsh — "I be not censuring thee, Mary, I but asked thee why thou 
didst seek constantly to stir up strife. Why dost thee ever have a hand raised 
against thy neighbors ? " 

Mary Webster — "Are not their hands ever raised against me?" 

John Marsh — "Surely not. If thou wouldst but be less acrimonious, fewer 
hands would be raised against thee, (looks out r.) Here cometh Daniel and his 
aunt Elizabeth." (Enter Daniel and Elizabeth Markham, r. J. M. greets 
Daniel.) "I am glad to see thee safely home again, my son." 

Daniel Marsh — "I am glad to be here again. (Greets step-mother and 
Ruth.) How dost thee do, Ruth? I am pleased to see thee here, too, Aunt 
Mary. Hast the world used thee well since I have been away?" 

Mary Webster — "The world dost not trouble me; 'tis the people in it." 

Daniel Marsh — "Not all, I hope." 

Mary Webster — "Thou mayst hope, Daniel, if thou wish, but hope be 
fickle. Didst thou come up the river in a canoe?" 

Daniel Marsh — "Yes, and it hath been a pleasant sail." 

Mary Webster — "I suppose that thy company wast also pleasant." 

Daniel Marsh — "It was a pleasant company when we left Farmington, but 
grew smaller by the departure of many as we neared Springfield." 

Mary Webster — "I was meaning your company up the river from Spring- 
field. The Lewis maiden." 

Daniel Marsh — "She stood the journey well." 

(R. W. passes out hastily, 1. M. W. looks after her and laughs.) 

Mary Webster — "Ha-a-a, Daniel. Have a care. Ruth be jealous. 
Aha-a-a." (M. W. passes out, r.) 

Daniel Marsh — (looking after M. W.) "Poor Aunt Mary, she groweth 
more bitter every day." 

Elizabeth Markham — "Yea, she doth. Adversity seemingly doth not chas- 
ten her. She and brother William hath met with much to embitter her." 

Daniel Marsh — "I imagine that the mischievous boys do much to plague 
her." 

Elizabeth Markham — "It be not wholly the boys. Some of the older ones 
do plague her sore." 

John Marsh — "She be particularly bitter toward Samuel Crow and Philip 
Smith." 

Hepzibah Marsh — "She be also bitter toward Ruth Warner. Ruth and I 
were talking of you and the Lewis maiden, when Mary Webster came in 
unannounced and said angry words to Ruth." 

Elizabeth Markham — "What dost thou think of Hannah Lewis, Daniel? 
Didst thee and her come up the river alone?" 

Daniel Marsh — "We were alone in the canoe, but there were other canoes." 

Elizabeth Markham — "Didst thou enjoy the maiden's company?" 

Daniel Marsh — "That I did! She be pleasant company." 

Hepzibah Marsh — "Ruth Warner be all that, too, Daniel." 

Daniel Marsh — "If she be, her vain, flaunting ways are unseemly." 

(Daniel passes out 1.) 

John Marsh — (to Hepzibah) "Thy hopes seemeth not to be bearing fruit, 
Hepzibah." 

Hepzibah Marsh — "This Lewis maiden hath turned his head." 

Elizabeth Markham — "I be not sure of that, Hepzibah. Daniel hath never 
shown admiration for Ruth." (Hepzibah hastily passes out 1.) 

John Marsh — "Hepzibah hath set her heart upon Daniel and Ruth marry- 
ing." 

Elizabeth Markham — "It would be a pity if such should happen." 

John Marsh — "I do not look kindly upon it myself. I do not think they 
could live happily together." 

Elizabeth Markham — "Of that I am certain. Daniel doth not look with 
favor upon her frivolity." 

(Quick change to Scene 4.) 

Scene 4 — Two months later. Ferry gate. Evening. Daniel Marsh and 
Hannah Lewis seated on rough bench, 1. c. 

Daniel Marsh — "Hannah, dost remember that it was just two months ago 
that thee and I arrived at this Ferry gate after our long journey from Farm- 
ington?" 



11 

Hannah Lewis — "Yea, I do remember it well." 

Daniel Marsh — "I count it as one of the pleasantest days of my life when 
we came up the river in a canoe together from Springfield. I felt then that if 
we could sail through life together, it would indeed be a boon to me. Dost 
remember what a perfect day for sailing it was?" 

Hannah Lewis — "It was a pleasant sail up the river from Springfield." 

Daniel Marsh — "Dost thou know that we are now sitting almost upon the 
very spot that we stood upon when thou didst come to Hadley?" 

Hannah Lewis — "Yes." (He tries to place arm about her; she springs 
from him to c.) "No, Daniel! No, that must not be. It can not be." 

Daniel Marsh — (moving toward her extending arms; she waves him back) 
"Thou must know that I love thee, Hannah." 

Hannah Lewis — (displays emotion) "No, Daniel. No. I am promised to 
Samuel Crow, and next Sunday the banns are to be published." 

(Hannah hurries to r. and exits displaying deep emotion. He starts vio- 
lently, places hand on forehead, also displaying emotion.) 

Daniel Marsh — "Promised to Samuel Crow, and next Sunday the banns 
are to be published. My God! Nothing is left for me but the trail again, and 
I had hoped to settle down in the settlement. Promised to Samuel Crow. I 
now understand what Mary Webster meant when she said that Samuel Crow 
would wed her, but that someone else would have her love. I thought it but 
an idle boast of Mary Webster, because of her hate of Samuel Crow. Does she 
love another. Am I that other ? Oh Hannah, if thou dost love me, why hast 
thou taken him? I had thought to settle down in Hadley with Hannah, but — 
(catches breath quickly and walks hurriedly about) No! No! If she loveth 
me, Samuel Crow shall not have her! She is mine! Samuel Crow shall not 
take her from me! (Stops and places both hands upon head.) But stop, — 
she is promised to Samuel Crow, and next Sunday the banns are to be pub- 
lished." (Drops upon bench and covers face with hands, displaying emotion. 
H. L. appears r., holds out both hands toward D. M. displaying deep emotion.) 

Hannah Lewis — "Promised to Samuel Crow, and next Sunday the banns 
are to be published." 

(Slow curtain. Low music.) 

ACT III. 

Scene 1 — Hadley Street. Evening. Some weeks later. John Marsh enters, 1. 
Elizabeth Markham enters, r. 

Elizabeth Markham — "Good morning, John. Hath thou heard from 
Daniel?" 

John Marsh — "Teto didst come to my house last evening and said that 
Daniel was at Woronoco, and might come to Northampton some time today." 

Elizabeth Markham — "Does not Daniel intend to come to Hadley?" 

John Marsh — "Teto thought not, but that he wast desirous of seeing thee 
and me. It seemeth strange to me that Daniel remaineth away so long from 
Hadley." 

Elizabeth Markham — "It doth not seem strange to me. Thou knoweth 
that Daniel loveth Hannah Lewis." 

John Marsh — "That I knoweth full well, but she be now the wife of 
Samuel Crow, and hath been for some time. It be not seeming in Daniel to 
covet her now. If he so loved her, why did he not tell her so, and not let 
Samuel Crow wed her?" 

Elizabeth Markham — "Hast thou forgotten, John, that she wast sum- 
moned to Hadley for that purpose?" 

John Marsh — "I know that it is said so, but unless the maiden herself was 
willing to wed Samuel, it be passin^ strange that Daniel should tarry so lone 
away from Hadley. It was before the banns were published that Daniel 
started upon the trail again." 

(Enter Mary Webster, 1.) 

Mary Webster — "It be as thou sayest. John Marsh, Daniel did start upon 
the trail again before the banns were published. It was because he knew that 
these banns were to be published why he started out upon the trail, and hath 
remained away from Hadley." 

Elizabeth Markham — "How knoweth thee that, Mary?" 



12 

Mary Webster — (mockingly) "How knoweth I anything? Is not a witch 
supposed to know everything?" 

John Marsh — (reprovingly) "Thee should not talk so, Mary Webster." 

Mary Webster — "And why not? Is not one's tongue for talking?" 

John Marsh — "Verily that be so, but, as thou knowest full well, if some 
should hear thee, thou wouldst be persecuted." 

Mary Webster — (angrily) "And am I not persecuted now, John Marsh? 
Is not Samwell Crow, and Philip Smith doing all that they can to persecute 
me? Aha-a-a! But their time will come! Their time will come! Samwell 
Crow will not die in his bed, and Philip Smith's dying bed will not be an easy 
one. Aha-a-a!" 

(Mary Webster hastily exits r.) 

Elizabeth Markham — "Poor Mary. She is indeed embittered. She and 
William hath had much misfortune." 

John Marsh — "Why doth she so hate Samuel Crow and Philip Smith?" 

Elizabeth Markham — "The young men do play many mischievous tricks 
upon her, and Samuel and Philip do often lead them." 

John Marsh — "I fear that harm will befall them if Mary Webster can 
bring it about." 

Elizabeth Markham — "She hath a sharp tongue, but she be no witch. 
1'hou knoweth that she always hath a good word for Daniel. It was always 
so. She hath always favored him more than she hath thy other children. It 
be not because his mother was sister to William and I. It be because of him- 
self." 

(Enter Mary Webster, r. hurriedly, looking back and gesticulating as she 
speaks.) 

Mary Webster — "Ah ye cowards, led by cowards! Ye fear me alone, but 
if ye come in a crowd, ye be very brave. 'Tis brave leaders that ye have in 
Samwell Crow, the double-dyed coward, and Philip Smith, the sniveling idiot! 
A brave lot ye be!" 

(Samuel Crow and roisters enter, r. Crow makes as if to seize her; she 
waves him back, still berating him.) 

Mary Webster — "Donf ye lay yer hands on me, Samuel Crow." (Philip 
Smith steps to Crow's side.) "Stand off, Philip Smith! 'Tis a pretty pass 
when a woman be molested upon the public highway of Hadley, by such as 
ye, and yer cowardly followers! (Roisters try to rush her.) Back, ye cowards, 
led by cowards!" 

John Marsh — (stepping between witch and roisters) "What meaneth this 
unseemingly conduct ? Samuel Crow, why art thee and thy roisters persecut- 
ing Mary Webster?" 

Samuel Crow — "She be a witch!" 

Philip Smith— "She hath a devil! 

John Marsh — "Why dost thou conduct thyselves so unseemingly?" 

Samuel Crow — "We would rid Hadley of this witch." 

Mary Webster — (explosively) " 'Twould be well for this settlement if it 
were rid of thee, and thy cowardly roisters. Cowards that ye be, all of ye!" 

(Roisters spring past John Marsh and try to seize witch, who retreats 
to r. They follow her up. Daniel Marsh hastily enters, r. and spring between 
witch and roisters.) 

Daniel Marsh — (to roisters) "Stop, Samuel Crow! Lay not thy hands 
unon Mary Webster. Philip Smith, do thee and thy roisters let this woman 
alone!" 

Samuel Crow — (advancing threateningly upon Daniel) "What is it to thee, 
Daniel Marsh ? Thou art not the constable." 

Daniel Marsh — "And art thou, and thy crowd, constables ? Why dost thou 
constantly persecute Mary Webster?" 

Philip Smith — "She be a witch, and 'tis well that Hadley be rid of her 
before she bewitches others, as she seemeth to have you." 

Samuel Crow — (sneeringly) "Thou forgetteth, Philip, that the witch be 
Daniel Marsh's aunt. She hath bewitched him, as thou sayeth. That be the 
reason why he be constantly trying to protect her. He maketh bold to preach 
to us. Seeth how quickly he answers to the cry of the witch?" 

Daniel Marsh — (advances threateningly upon Crow as if to strike him) 
' 'Twere well for thee, Samuel Crow, to keep a civil tongue in thy head." 



13 

(Crow springs toward Daniel as if to engage with him. Mary Webster 
springs between them and grasps Daniel's upraised arm.) 

Mary Webster — "Daniel, what wouldst thou? Wouldst thou strike the 
husband of Hannah Lewis? Wouldst dirty thy hands upon Samwell Crow?" 

(Daniel quickly recovers himself and with seeming effort controls his de- 
sire to fight Crow. Enter Chiliab Smith, tithing-man, 1. eccentrically dressed.) 

Chiliab Smith — (speaking as he enters) "What meaneth this unseemingly 
emotion?" 

Daniel Marsh — " Tis well that thou hast come, Chiliab. These roisters 
hath carried their mischievous pranks full far enough." 

Chiliab Smith — (to roisters) "And why art thou practising thy pranks? 
Hast forgotten, Philip, that thou art no longer a boy ? If thou continueth in 
thy pranks, Stephen Terry will hail thee to Northampton. Return to thy 
homes and behave thyselves more seemingly. (Roisters exit r.) Thou hast 
been a long time away from Hadley this time, Daniel." 

Daniel Marsh — "Yes, and I scarce know why I am here now." 

Chiliab Smith — "Surely, thou useth strange words before thy father and 
thy aunt Elizabeth, Daniel." 

Daniel Marsh — "Thy pardon, father, and Aunt Elizabeth. I was so taken 
up in what the roisters were about, that I quite forgot that I had not greeted 
thee." (Greets them.) 

John Marsh — "Thy coming was fortunate for Mary Webster, my son. But 
for thy timely arrival, the roisters may have laid violent hands upon thy uncle 
William's wife." 

Mary Webster — "This be not the first time that Daniel hath come to my 
rescue. Samwell Crow and Philip Smith be constantly persecuting me, if their 
roisters be with them. They be too much the cowards themselves, to act 
when alone. I thank thee, Daniel Marsh, for what thou hast done for me. 
Thou wilt be enjoying the respect of the people of Hadley, long after their 
worthless bodies have crumbled to dust." (Exit r.) 

John Marsh — "Why hast thou stayed away so long, my son?" 

Daniel Marsh — "The wilderness hath much attraction for me. 'Tis there 
I find rest for my mind, that I can not find in this settlement." 

Chiliab Smith — "That should not be, Daniel. Thy home should give thee 
rest for body and soul. 'Tis well for Hadley, however, that thou find enjoy- 
ment in serving this settlement, as scout." (Exit 1.) 

Elizabeth Markham — "Chiliab Smith spake wisely, Daniel, when he said 
that thy home should be the place to give thy body and mind rest." 

Daniel Marsh — "There be no rest for me in Hadley now, aunt Elizabeth. 
How I kept myself from striking Samuel Crow, passes me." 

Elizabeth Markham — "Thou shouldst not harbor ill will toward him for 
that which thou dost, Daniel." 

John Marsh — "Hast forgotten the commandment, my son, — 'Thou shalt 
not covet thy neighbors' wife.' Samuel Crow and Hannah Lewis be husband 
and wife. Thou shouldst not covet her. It be time that thee wast also mar- 
ried." 

Daniel Marsh — "And whom should I marry?" 

John Marsh — "There be Ruth Warner; she be still waiting for thee." 

Daniel Marsh — "Ruth Warner, forsooth! Wouldst thou have me wed that 
woman, with her vain, flaunting ways ? If she be still waiting for me, 'tis best 
that I return to the wilderness again. 'Twas to see thee, and aunt Elizabeth, 
that I came back to Hadley. I have seen thee, and will now go back to the 
wilderness. Farewell." 

(Daniel slowly exits 1. They look after him, E. M. displaying emotion. 
Low music as he departs.) 

Elizabeth Markham — (as Daniel disappears) "Thou shouldst not have 
spoken as thou didst, John. It was ill-timed of thee to mention Ruth Warner 
to him." 

John Marsh — (bows head) "Truly it was,, Elizabeth. I shouldst have held 
my peace there. Had I not been so heedless, my son might not have returned 
to the wilderness so soon. But, come, let us return to our homes, (sadly.) 
Daniel will not return tonight." 

(They move slowly off, r. Low music. As J. M. and E. M. disappear, 



14 

roisters enter, 1., singing and cutting up pranks. Samuel Crow and Philip 
Smith not with them.) 

Joseph Selding — "Of a truth, Mary Webster did berate Samuel and 
Philip." 

Jonathan Gilbert— "That she did! I wonder if she be a witch." 

William Rooker — "Of that we can but judge by what she hath done. Hast 
forgotten how she tipped over the load of hay?" 

Thos. Crofts — "Aye, and then she tipped it back again. If she be no 
witch, how could she have done that?" 

J. Selding — "Daniel Marsh and Elizabeth Markham do not fear her." 

J. Gilbert — "And why shouldst they ? Thou knowest that Daniel's mother 
was sister to the witch's husband, and Elizabeth Markham." 

Rooker — "Let us hope that she will not bewitch us." 

Croft — " 'Twill be said that we be bewitched, if we cut up pranks tonight." 
(All dance, sing, etc. Tithing-man Chiliab Smith enters, 1., pointing stick at 
roisters.) 

Chiliab Smith — "Cease thy roistering and return to thy homes." 

(Roisters and Tithing-man exit, r. Soldiers enter, 1.) 

First Soldier — "This be Hadley. If those we seek be concealed here, they 
chose wisely a hiding place." 

Second Soldier — "King Charles will be overjoyed to learn that the last of 
those who slew his royal father hath been apprehended." 

First Soldier — "We hath not secured them yet." 

Second Soldier — "It hath been a long chase." 

First Soldier — "That it hath, and it may be that it doth not end here, 
even." (They move across to r. As they disappear Daniel Marsh enters 1.) 

Daniel Marsh — "I was not mistaken. Those whom I have followed, be 
indeed the hirelings of Charles the Second. There can be no mistake but what 
it be the two Judges whom they seek. They be concealed in Mr. Russell's 
house, doubtless. If not there, he will know where they be. Mr. Russell must 
be warned. But how ? If I follow them up the street, the soldiers will reach 
Mr. Russell's before me. How can I get ahead of them? (Thinks a moment.) 
Ah, I have it! The pine woods without the stockade! I will go without and 
run to Mr. Russell's house. The stockade, and the woods, will prevent the 
soldiers from seeing me. Maybe I can reach Mr. Russell's first . I will try." 
(Hurries out 1.) 

(Quick change to Scene 2. Home of the Minister, Mr. John Russell. The 
two Judges seated, c. As curtain rises Swanee River, revised to represent the 
thoughts of Regicide upon England sung. Furnishings should be colonial. 
Rude table, chairs, etc. The two regicides seated at table c. or fireplace, 1. c. 
Singing should be back of scenes.) 

(Following may be sung between Scenes 1 and 2, Act III, as curtain rises.) 

WAY BACK IN OLD ENGLAND. (Tune, Swanee River.) 

1. 
Way back in Old England 

Far, far away; 
There's where my heart is turning ever, 

There's where the dear ones stay. 
All up and down the whole creation 

Sadly I roam; 
Still longing for Old England 

And the dear ones at home. 

2. 
All 'round the little farm I wandered 

When I was young; 
Then many happy days I squandered, 

Many the songs I sung. 
When I was playing with my brothers, 

Happy was I; 
Oh, take me back to dear Old England 

There let me live and die. 



15 



Chorus. 
All the world is sad and dreary, 

Everywhere I roam; 
Oh, friends, how my heart grows weary, 
Far from the dear ones at home. 



ARRIVAL OF KING'S SOLDIERS 

Scene 2 — Home of Mr. Russell, the minister. 

Whalley — (querulously, as singing ceases) "And how much longer must 
we hide from the world ? What was our crime, that we must be hunted from 
place to place, like wild beasts?" 

Goffe — "Courage, father. Thou art cast down today. We hath been har- 
bored by good Mr. Russell, these several years and no one hath sought us out. 
Why art so cast down today?" 

Whalley — "William, when I didst give my daughter to thee, in Old Eng- 
land, the world seemed full of promise to thee. Thou hast followed me, and 
whither hath it led thee ? Because of thy devotion to me, thou didst abandon 
the safe and quiet life of thy youth, to become a follower of Oliver Cromwell, 
with me. The Cromwells were overthrown and the Stuarts were again re- 
stoi'ed. The house of Judges was assailed and dire punishment was meted out 
to those that were taken. Dixwell, thee and I alone escaped to this continent. 
Dixwell hath been free of persecution, and hath mingled with the people, 
unmolested. Thee and I hath been hunted from place to place, until we 
reached this safe haven, but, somehow, at this time I feel that danger again 
threatens us." 

(Low music may be played during the following, if desired.) 
Goffe — "Let us pray that thy fears be groundless. Tis true we have passed 
through much sorrow and persecution, because of our devotion to duty, as it 
did appear to us. Thou dost pine for Old England. I also pine for home and 
friends. We have loyal and true friends in this hamlet, friends that will 
endeavor to shield us, should the danger that thou fearest come upon us. It 
be also true that should we be discovered here, dire will be the punishment 
afflicted upon us, and upon those true friends who have so nobly stood by us 
in our extremity, but surely God, who hath led and protected us thus far, will 
not forsake us at this late day. Could we but have our dear ones with us, we, 
too, might protect them. Thy daughter, whom thou didst give me in marriage, 
is right nobly striving to alleviate our exile as much as she is able. I would 
that I might clasp her in my arms again, but it is not as yet to be." (Rests 
head on hand upon table. Low music. 

(Hastily enter, r. Mr. Russell.) 

Whalley — "What now, my friend? What exciteth thee so?" 

Mr. Russell — "The time hath come that we have feared." 

Goffe — (raising head) "And what doth that portend, Mr. Russell?" 

Mr. Russell — "Dost remember the young scout that led thee to Hadley?" 

Goffe— "Thou meaneth Daniel Marsh?" 

Mr. Russell — "Yea. He hath just brought word that the King's hirelings 
hath come to Hadley, seeking thee." 

Whalley — "Ah! I feared that it would come. I had a presentiment that 
danger threatened. (Displays agitation.) We can not escape them, and thee 
and thy loyal associates, must suffer with us." 

Mr. Russell — (reassuringly) "Be not fearful. If thee but follow my in- 
structions, thee mayst yet escape." 

Goffe — "And what may they be, good friend?" 
. Mr. Russell — "There be a place prepared for thee for this very occasion. 
(Goes b. c. lifts up board in floor.) This leadeth to a concealed room below. 
Conceal thyselves there until these hirelings of Charles the Second have gone." 

Whalley — (bitterly) "Must we hide like rats in a hole? We who have 
led armies?" 

Mr. Russell — "It were best for thee to lose no time in placing thyselves 
out of immediate danger. These hirelings may be at the door any moment." 

Goffe — "Let us hasten, father. For ourselves we fear not; but for the 
danger that will come to these loyal friends, let us hasten to do as good 



16 

Mister Russell suggests. Let us hasten." (They reluctantly descend. Mr. R. 
replaces board and sits at table reading. Knocking is heard.) 
Mr. Russell — (from his place by table) "Who is there?" 
Soldier — (from without) "Open in the King's name!" 
Mr. Russell — (rises and opens door) "Enter in God's name." 
(Two soldiers enter, look hurriedly around.) 

First Soldier — "We be looking for two outlaws whom the King hath or- 
dered us to apprehend and bring to him in England." 

Mr. Russell — "Why dost thou seek outlaws in this house?" 
Soldier — "It be suspicioned that they be hiding in this settlement." 
Mr. Russell — "But why seek outlaws in my house?" 

Soldier — "Suspicion pointeth to thee as one who wouldst know if they be 
in Hadley." 

Mr. Russell — "Again I ask thee, why dost seek outlaws in this house?" 
Soldier — "Truly we do not seek unduly to intrude upon thee. Hast ob- 
jections to our searching thy house for them?" 

Mr. Russell — "Thou hast my permission to search, as thou wouldst." 
Soldier— (to companion, aside) "He seemeth in no wise unwilling for us 
to search. What dost advise?" 

Second Soldier — (aside) "We hath the King's command to search for these 
outlaws, where we wouldst." 

First Soldier — "Dost think that we should search this holy man's house?" 
Second Soldier — "And why not? Hath we not the King's command?" 
First Soldier — "One of us best stay here on guard while the other search." 
Second Soldier — "Thou speaketh truly. I will search. Remain thou here, 
that none leave the house w r hile we search." 

First Soldier — "Those without will allow no one to depart until we return 
to them." 

Second Soldier — "So be it. I will search. See that tnou dost keep sharp 
lookout." 

First Soldier — "That I will. If we but return these outlaws to the King, 
then indeed, will the murder of Charles £he First be avenged." 

Second Soldier — "Yea, and the thanks of his royal son, Charles the Sec- 
ond, will be ours." (salutes.) 

(Passes out b. stepping on board beneath which regicides are supposed to 
be in concealment. While soldier is out Mr. Russell sits at table c, reading. 
Soldier, at shoulder arms, paces front of stage, on guard. Sufficient time 
should be allowed for searching house before soldier re-enters. Low music 
may be played until searching soldier returns and presents arm.) 

Second Soldier — (as he enters) "Truly those we seek be not in this house." 
First Soldier — "Art sure that thou hast made thorough search?" 
Second Soldier — "I have looked in every room in this house, but findeth 
them not." 

First Soldier — (to Mr. Russell) "Thy pardon, sir, for our intrusion." 
Mr. Russell—" 'Tis granted. Art thou satisfied that those whom thou 
seek, be not in Hadley?" 

First Soldier — "We will not trouble thee further, but we hath the King's 
command to make thorough search in Hadley, so we will search other houses. 
We bid thee good day." 

Mr. Russell— "The same to thee." (Soldiers exit, r.) 

Closed in by Street Scene. 

Scene 3— Old Hadley Street. 

(Enter roisters, singing, cutting up pranks, etc.) 

(Note: Negro Jack may be introduced in this scene, if desired, but he 
should take no part in the dialogue, all of his part should be in pantomime, 
except that he may say things, as if in fear of witch, screaming, jumping, 
etc., whenever she approaches him.) 

(Samuel Crow and Philip Smith enter while roisters are acting.) 

Samuel Crow — "Didst thou see the soldiers, Philip?" 

Philip Smith— "Yea. Why are they here?" 

Samuel Crow— "I know not, but as they went to Mr. Russell's first, may- 
hap they seek the witch, Mary Webster." 



17 

Philip Smith — " 'Twere well that she be apprehended before she worketh 
further mischief." 

Samuel Crow — " Tis said that she hath bewitched one of the small girls." 

Edward Grannis — "Truly she hath done that evil deed, and the poor child 
cutteth up evil pranks." 

Thomas Crofts — (looks out 1.) "Here she cometh now." 

Samuel Crow — "Who, the witch?" 

Thomas Crofts — "No, the poor child whom she hath bewitched." 

(Girl enters 1., dancing.. She may be trimmed with garlands of flowers, 
or evergreens, if desired. Girl approaches all in turn, they exhibit fear as she 
approaches them, and retreat. If Negro Jack is used he must display very 
great alarm and act as if trying to get away from her.) 

(Enter Mary Webster, r., girl approaches her and she laughs and claps 
her hands.) 

Thomas Crofts — (excitedly) "See how the witch rejoices in her evil ways? 

Samuel Crow — "She must be caught and held for the King's soldiers. 
Seize her!" 

(Grannis and Croft advance to witch, as if to seize her; she slaps Grannis 
and springs toward Croft; both run across stage. Crow and Smith try to seize 
her. Witch springs toward them with out-stretched hands, and both start 
back 1.) 

Mary Webster — "So-o-o Samwell Crow and Philip Smith, thou hast thy 
rcisters out again, hast thou? (sarcastically.) Brave leaders of a brave com- 
pany, surely. Brave defenders of Hadley, should the savages attack." 

Samuel Crow — "Seize her!! We will tie her up till the soldiers come." 

(Roisters rush across stage to her; she retreats to r.) 

Mary Webster — "Back, ye cowards!" 

(Daniel Marsh hastily enters r. steps before witch.) 

Daniel Marsh — "What now, Samuel Crow and Philip Smith ? What mean- 
eth this ? Why are thou and thy roisters making this unseemingly commo- 
tion?" (Girl stops dancing.) 

Philip Smith — "The King's soldiers be here for the witch. We would 
seize her for them." 

Daniel Marsh — "Hath the King's soldiers commanded thee to help them?" 

Philip Smith — "No, but they be here for her." 

Daniel Marsh — "How knoweth thou that?" 

Edward Grannis — "She hath bewitched that child and the soldiers have 
been to consult Mr. Russell." 

Daniel Marsh — "Even so, be it thy place, or Stephen Terry's to arrest any 
one in Hadley?" 

Thomas Croft — "We would hold her for the King's soldiers." 

Mary Webster — (sarcastically) "Brave men, thou, to do the King's com- 
mands. Ha-a-a. (springs toward them, they retreat.) Ha- ha- a-a. Thou, 
wouldst do the King's commands." 

(Girl dances toward roisters; they retreat to 1.; she dances toward Daniel, 
who remains beside M. W.; girl falls at the witch's feet.) 

Samuel Crow — (excitedly) "See, the bewitched child falls at her feet! 
What more proof do we need? Seize the witch!" (Starts forward, the others 
follow.) 

Daniel Marsh — "Stop, Samuel Crow. What wouldst thou?" 

Samuel Crow — "I would rid the settlement of the witch before she work- 
eth more mischief." 

Mary Webster — "And what of thy roisters, Samwell Crow ? Wouldst rid 
the town of them? Mark ye, Samwell Crow, thee and Philip Smith, will be 
rotting in the ground, before I shall." 

Daniel Marsh — (looking 1.) "Here come the soldiers. Let us see what 
they sayeth." (Enter soldiers 1.) 

Samuel Crow — (to soliders) "Tfere she be. Seize her, but beware that she 
do not bewitch thee, as she hath that child." 

Soldier — "Of whom do ve speak?" 

Samuel Crow — Marv Webster, t^e witch." 

SoWer — "We cavpth nouo-ht for her." 

Philip Smith — "Didst thou not come seeking her?" 



18 

Soldier — "No. We seek two outlaws, whom Charles the Second, the King, 
desireth." 

Mary Webster — (waves arm toward Crow and Smith) "So-ho-o. Brave 
defenders, the King hath no wish for thy help! Ha-a-a!" 

Daniel Marsh — (to soldiers) "Didst thou find the outlaws?" 

Soldier — "No. We have been sent to Hadley on a wild goose chase." 

(Soldiers exit, r.) 

Daniel Marsh— (to Crow and Smith "Hadst not thee, and thy roisters, 
best go before Stephen Terry cometh?" 

Philip Smith— "Best thou be careful, Daniel, lest the witch exert her evil 
spell on thee." 

E. Grannis — "She hath already exerted it. He be under her spell now. 
Dcst not see that he be always defending her?" 

Daniel Marsh — "And why should not any true man defend her, when such 
as thee seek her discomfort?" 

Thomas Croft— "She be the wife of his uncle, William Webster. That be 
why he seeketh to defend hei\" 

(Bewitched child begins to dance. As she approaches roisters, all except 
Darnel Marsh, Mary Webster, and child, retreat off I.) 

Daniel Marsh— "The roisters do much mischief in Hadley." 

Mary Webster — "And so do Samwell Crow and Philip Smith." 

Daniel Marsh — "Thou art wrong; they do no mischief. It be the younger 
men who do that." 

Mary Webster — "Why dost thou seek to defend Samwell Crow ? Hath he 
not done thee an injury?" 

Daniel Marsh — "Speak not of that. Aunt Mary. (Girl begins dancing.) 
Slop thy unseemingly actions, child. Go to thy home. (Girl dances toward 
witch and falls at her feet.) And why doth she do that, Mary Webster? Hast 
thou exerted an evil influence over her?" 

Mary Webster — "I have nought to do with her pranks, but Samwell Crow 
and Philip Smith sayeth I have, (fiercely.) May they both come to an untimely 
end!" (Hastily exits 1.; child commences to dance and laugh.) 

Daniel Marsh — "Child, stop thy unseeming mirth!" 

(Enter Stephen Terry, the constable, r.) 

Stephen Terry — (to child) "Stop thy unseeming pranks, and go to thy 
home. (Child hurriedly exits r.) Tis a long time thee hast been away from 
Hadley, Daniel." 

Daniel Marsh — "It hath been. I stay but a short time, now. I came to 
see my father, and my aunt Elizabeth. I have seen them, and I must go upon 
the trail again." (Exit 1.) 

Stephen Terry — (looking after Daniel) "Full well do I know why Daniel 
Marsh doth absent himself so much from Hadley. Had not Samuel Crow and 
Hannah Lewis wed, Daniel Marsh would now be here, instead of out in the 
w'lderness." 

( Curtain. ) 

Note: Church of the Valley may be sung between Act 3 and 4, if desired. 

ACT IV. INDIAN ATTACK UPON HADLEY 

Scene 1 — Hadley Street, morning. (Rev. John Russell and John Marsh 
enter 1.) 

Mr. Russell — "Why doth thy son, Daniel, absent himself so much from 
Hadley, John?" 

John Marsh — "He be scouting." 

Mr. Russell — "Full well do I know what a crafty woodsman he be, and that 
ho possesseth much of the cunning of the savages upon the trail, but there be 
more need of our young men within the stockade than without, these trouble- 
some days." 

John Marsh — "As thou sayeth, Mr. Russell, Daniel doth possess much of 
the cunning of the savage, and because of that cunning, he be better able to 
learn what thev be doing, than one less crafty than he." 

Mr. Russell — "Thou surely do speak wisdom in saying that, John. Daniel 
l^ath done much for this settlement in ferreting out threatening danger. May- 
hap he be of more actual benefit to Hadley for that reason. While I hope that 



19 

we "be spared from an attack by the enemy, we know not the hour when Phil- 
lip's savages may attack us. Methought that a day of fasting and prayer 
would not be amiss. Tis for that reason that I have called one for this day." 

John Marsh — "Methinketh that thou acted wisely in calling such a meet- 
ing. Hadley hath been mercifully spared, thus far, while other settlements 
hath been beset by hostile Indians." 

Mr. Russell — "Were all like Teto, we would have nought to fear. He be 
the only Indian that is still friendly. Were it not for his friendship to thy 
son, Daniel, even he might join Phillip's band." 

John Marsh — "There be strong friendship between Teto and Daniel." 

Mr. Russell — "I must now go and prepare for the meeting. (Passes r.) 
Here cometh thy sister-in-law, Elizabeth Markham. (Elizabeth Markham en- 
ters r.) Good morning, Mistress Markham. Thou art out early." 

Elizabeth Markham — "I but come to see if Daniel hath returned to Had- 
ley. Hast thou heard aught of him, John?" 

John Marsh — "I hath not heard from him for several weeks. Nor have I 
seen Teto; he generally be the fore-runner of Daniel." 

Elizabeth Markham — "Mayhap he hath joined Phillip's warriors." 

Mr. Russell — "I trust that be not so, for he hath been a true friend of the 
white man. I must now bid thee good morning. Thou wilt be at the meeting, 
of course." (Exits r.) 

Elizabeth Markham — "I hope that no harm hath befallen Daniel." 

John Marsh— "My heart is filled with anxiety for his safety. He hath not 
stayed away so long before." 

(Town Crier heard back of scene ringing bell, and crying, "Hear ye! 
Hear ye!" Enter Chileab Smith, eccentrically dressed and ringing hand bell.) 

Chileab Smith — (tithing-man, reads from paper in hand) "Hear ye! This 
day be set apart for fasting and prayer, that the hand of the savages be 
stayed from Hadley. Prepare ye for it." 

* John Marsh — "Hath ought been learned of the savages, Chileab?" 

Chileab Smith — "No news! No n-e-w-s. No-o news-s-ss. Mr. Russell 
hath called this day for fasting and prayer. Report thyselves to the meeting 
house and with all humility enter into the house of worship." (Exit Crier, 
still ringing bell, and crying, "Hear ye! Hear ye!") 

Elizabeth Markham — (looking after Chileab and laughing) "I wonder 
doth Chileab know how ridiculous he looks and acts." 

John Marsh — "It be small wonder that the boys and girls make sport of 
him, even though they fear him." 

(Enter Mary Webster, hurriedly, r., looking back as though in fear of 
pursuit.) 

Elizabeth Markham — "Good morrow, Mary. Who be troubling thee 
now?" 

Mary Webster — (starts quickly, then recovers herself) "Oh, 'tis you and 
John Marsh, be it, Elizabeth?" 

Elizabeth Markham — "Yes, but who be troubling you?" 

Mary Webster — (fiercely) "Samwell Crow and Philip Smith, with their 
band of cowardly roisters. Here they come now!" (Displays fear and hastily 
exits 1.) 

(Samuel Crow and Philip Smith enter, r. followed by roisters.) 

Samuel Crow — "There she goes, out the Ferry gate!" 

Philip Smith — "Let us bar the gate and keep the witch from entering 
again." (Starts 1. as if to bar gate.) 

John Marsh — (stepping before them) "Not so fast, Philip. What right 
hast thou to bar the gate ? 'Tis Stephen Terry who should do that." 

(Enter Stephen Terry, r.) 

Stephen Terry — (going to gate and calling) "If any be without, who wish 
to enter, let them do so before the gate be closed." 

John Marsh — "Mary Webster be without, Stephen." 

Stephen Terry — "Then let her enter. (Goes out 1. and calls.) "Mary Web- 
ster! Mary Webster! Come within." 

Samuel Crow — (looks out 1.) "Trouble thyself not about the witch, Ste- 
phen." 

Philip Smith— "No, let her stay without." 

Stephen Terry — (re-entering) "If she be not soon in the gate must be 



20 

closed. 'Tis time that the people assemble at the meeting house. (Bell or 
drum sounds behind scene.) That be the call to worship. The gate must be 
closed." (Goes 1. Sound of closing gate. All exit r.) 

(Quick change to Scene 2. Interior of Hadley Meeting-house, disclosing 
people assembled for service. Rev. Mr. Russell, with long black robe on, in 
high pulpit, b. c. Soldiers r. Worshipers distributed about stage. Tithing- 
man bustling about wakening sleepers and proding mischievous boys with 
tithing stick, etc.) 

Mr. Russell — "Let us sing Psalm XXVII." (If preferred some other one 
may be sung, or minister may read it.) 

Note: All of church singing should be chant. 

Mr. Russell — (as chant ceases) ""My brethren, dark clouds seem round 
about us. Our brethren in other places are beset by savage foes. Happily 
Hadley hath been spared thus far, but we know not when the foe may be 
upon us. In fasting and prayer, let us seek Divine help that we may still be 
unmolested by the foe. While we gird on our armor and prepare to meet the 
foe, should they assail us, let us, in fasting and prayer, ask help from on high. 
Let us be ready to meet the foe if it be that they attack us, ever mindful that 
our help cometh from above." (Indian whoops and firing outside.) The foe 
be upon us! Acquit ourselves like men!" 

(Confusion in congregation. Soldiers and men rush out r. Shots and yells 
outside.) 

(Quick change to Scene 3. Old Hadley Street.) 

(Soldiers and settlers rush on r. as if they were being driven back, but 
still acting upon defensive; they are driven across stage and exit r. Indians 
appear 1. As settlers disappear r. and Indians appear 1., Goffe suddenly 
appears at r. beckoning with sword.) 

Goffe — "Rally! Rally! Drive the savages back!" (Hurries across stage, 
still beckoning with sword to settlers, who rush on r. and across stage, exit 1. 
Sound of battling grows fainter and ceases. Quick change back to interior of 
meeting-house; women and children cowering in fear. A settler re-enters 1.) 

Settler — "The savages have been driven back into the wilderness." 

Elizabeth Markham — "Didst see the stranger who did so suddenly 
appear?" 

Settler— "That I did." 

Elizabeth Markham — "Who was it?" 

Settler — "I know not if it be so, but I think that it was the guardian angel 
of Hadley. It must have been someone sent from heaven to save Hadley. But 
for this timely deliverance, Hadley must have been laid waste." 

(Enter hurriedly, 1., Hannah Crow and asks, "Did thou see Daniel, Eliza- 
beth Markham?" 

Elizabeth Markham — "Daniel be not in the village." 

Hannah Crow — "Oh, but he is. I saw him with the settlers. (Enter Mary 
Webster, r. Didst thou see Daniel Marsh, Mary Webster?" 

Mary Webster— (proudly) "That I did, and he was close beside the 
stranger." 

Hannah Crow — (anxiously) "Hath any harm happened to him?" 

Mary Webster— (severely) "What is that to thee, Hannah Crow? 'Twere 
more dutiful if thou concerneth thyself about Samuel Crow, thy husband." 

Hannah Crow— (displaying confusion) "Yes. True. What of Samuel? 
Dost thou know ought of him?" 

Mary Webster— (sneeringly) "Ye-s-ss, I saw him. He was not so bold as 
when he and Philip Smith, with their band of cowardly roisters, were atack- 
ing a woman." 

(Mr. Russell, and other settlers, re-enter 1.) 

Mr. Russell— "The danger is past. The enemy hath been driven back into 
the wilderness." 

(Enter Daniel Marsh, 1. Hannah Crow hastens toward him, saying, 
"Heaven be praised. Thou art safe." 

Mary Webster— (grasping Hannah Crow's arm, and speaks to her in low 
voice) "What now, Hannah Crow? Dost thou hasten to greet the one whom 
thou refused for Samwell Crow? Where be thy wifely wisdom?" 

(H. C. catches breath quickly and joins other women.) 



21 

Elizabeth Markham — "Thou art here at the right time, as usual, Daniel. 
I was fearful that thee may have fallen from a savage's shot outside the 
stockade." 

Daniel Marsh — "I came in at the south gate. The enemy came from the 
north." 

Mary Webster — "Thou didst always appear at the right time, Daniel. 
Here comes Samuel Crow. The savages did not get him this time, but (vin- 
dictively) his time will come! His, and Philip Smith's, (fiercely.) Perdition 
take them both! (Full company enter.) 

Mr. Russell — "We have been mercifully spared from the enemy. Let us 
give thanks by joining in singing Psalm XLVI." 

(Closed in by street scene as chant is about to cease.) 

Scene 5 — Old Hadley Street. John and Daniel Marsh enter.) 

John Marsh — "The Lord be praised that thou hast been spared, my son. 
When didst thou arrive?" 

Daniel Marsh — "Just as the savages made the attack on the north. Had 
they come from the south, I must surely have seen them, ere the attack was 
made. Teto could not have known of it or he would have told me." 

John Marsh — "Didst see the stranger?" 

Daniel Marsh — "Aye." 

John Marsh — "Didst recognize him." 

Daniel Marsh— "Yes." (Enter Mr. Russell, 1.) 

Mr. Russell — (grasping hand of Daniel) "I give thee welcome, Daniel. I 
noticed that, as usual, thou wast in the front ranks. When didst thee arrive?" 

Daniel Marsh — "Just before the attack was made." 

Mr. Russell — "Then thou must have seen the — (quickly interrupts him- 
self, then continues.) But I know that thou didst for thou wert close beside 
him. Didst thou recognize the one who saved the day for Hadley?" 

Daniel Marsh — (looks cautiously around, then says in a low voice to the 
minister) "Thou needst have no fear that I will betray thy secret, Mr. Rus- 
sell. I recognized the general at once, though it hath been several years since 
I saw him and he hath aged much since I escorted him and his companion, to 
thy house. He also recognized me and urged me not to betray him." 

(Lieut. Smith, Capt. Cook and Peter Tilton enter, 1.) 

Peter Tilton — (in a low voice to John Marsh) "Did thy son know who the 
stranger was, John ?" 

John Marsh — "Yes." 

Lieut. Smith — to D. M. "Daniel, I noticed thee by the side of the stranger. 
Knowest thou who it was ?" 

Daniel Marsh— "Yes." 

Peter Tilton — "Surely we ought not to fear that Daniel will betray us." 

Lieut. Smith — "Thou art right. As a stripling he was entrusted with that 
secret. There hath been times since then that he would have been well 
rewarded by betraying the Judges, yet he did not." 

Peter Tilton — "Thinketh thou, Mr. Russell, that it would be safer to urge 
them to seek safety elsewhere?" 

Mr. Russell — "Such a thought be unworthy of thee, Peter. Surely we 
should not become faint hearted now of all times." 

John Marsh — "I agree with Mr. Russell. We hath concealed them all 
these years. Is there more danger now, than there has always been?" 

Lieut. Smith — "Save for a very few, none hath known of their presence 
in Hadley. Today all have seen one of theJudges. The King's soldiers 
among them. Is there not grave danger in that?" 

Capt. A. Cook — "There be danger constantly confronting us, but, because 
of that, should we now tremble?" 

Daniel Marsh — "Pardon me for being so bold as to express my views to 
you, who have seen more years than I have, but I believe that we have nought 
to fear. I have heard many, the soldiers among them, speak of the providen- 
tial appearance of the stranger among them at this time, when some one was 
needed to inspire us with spirit to drive the savages back, as the guardian 
angel of Hadley. Even were such not the case, and it seemed best to find 
another hiding place for them, I will volunteer to conduct the generals to a 
safer place, if thou thinkest best." 



Mr. Russell — "Thou wouldst surely be the one to be entrusted with such 
a mission, if it were deemed best, but I do not think that it will be." 

John Marsh — "I agree with Mr .Russell that it will not be necessary to 
seek other place of concealment for them." 

Daniel Marsh — "As the Guardian Angel of Hadley, it seemeth to me, that, 
this timely deliverance will ever be looked upon." 

(Curtain slowly rises to display tableau, — "The Angel of Hadley." 

(Low music, quick drop.) 

ACT V. 

Scene 1 — Several weeks later. Night. Dim light. Camp of Daniel Marsh 
on Mt. Holyoke. Camp-fire, c. Daniel asleep, r. c. b. wrapped in blanket, feet 
toward camp-fire. 

Hannah Lewis slowly enters, r., passes across stage close to Daniel and 
exit 1. Indians enter r., move around stage, brandishing tomahawks, knives, 
etc., exit 1 

(Above should be enacted slowly to represent Daniel's dreams.). 

As Indians pass out 1. Daniel springs to his feet and looks around, fright- 
ened. 

Daniel Marsh — "Ah, only a dream, but such a fearful dream. I thought 
I saw Hannah being pursued by savages. (A stick snaps sharply outside. He 
hastily picks up musket and cocks it, stands ready to fire.) What was that 
noise? Is the camp surrounded by Indians? (Looks hastily around, then 
passes b. and stands on guard. A bird call signal heard outside, which he 
answers and it is repeated; he steps to front of stage, relieved, and says, "It 
is Teto. He has been away sometime and I was fearful that harm had be- 
fallen him. (Enter Indian 1.) Ah, Teto, you have come. I was fearful that 
you had fallen. (A twig snaps.) What is that? What means it, Teto ? Who 
is without?" 

Teto— "Netops father." 

Daniel Marsh— "Father at the camp? Why is he here? (Enter J. M. 1.) 
(Hastens to meet father.) Why art thou here so far from Hadley at this late 
hour, father?" 

John Marsh — "It hath been a long time since thee wast at home, my son. 
I was fearful of thy safety, and when Teto came to the village this afternoon, 
I asked him where thou wast; he said he thought thou wast at thy camp on the 
mountain. I asked him to lead me to thee, and here I am." 

Daniel Marsh — "But why hast thou exposed thyself to the danger of the 
trail at this time of the night ? Knowest thou not that hostile Indians might 
cross it, and mayhap do thee harm?" 

John Marsh — "Yes, my son, I did know of the danger, but I was anxious 
to see thee." 

Daniel Marsh — (anxiously) "Has ought happened that I should know of?" 

John Marsh — "No, my son, 'tis not that. I come to plead with thee to give 
up thy wandering life, and settle down in Hadley. Thy brothers have all 
married and have homes of their own, some in Hadley, others have removed 
elsewhere. Thy step-mother pineth for her people in Northampton. I fain 
would return to Hartford to live out the remainder of my life there, and 
there be none to take the homestead, but thee." 

Daniel Marsh— "But thou forgetteth, my father, that, should I settle down 
in Hadley, there be no wife to care for the household." 

John Marsh — "But there would be, if thou wouldst." 

Daniel Marsh — "Thou forgetteth that the only one whom I should care for, 
b? another's wife." 

John Marsh— "There be others beside Hannah Lewis, my son. It be un- 
seemingly in thee to still covet her; she be the wife of Samuel Crow. Why 
dost thou still cherish desire for another's wife?" 

Daniel Marsh—" Tis because of that, why I feel that the wilderness be 
the place for me." 

John Marsh— "But why not take some other maiden ? Thee wouldst not 
have to plead in vain, if thou wouldst but ask." 

Daniel Marsh— "But whom should I ask?" 



23 

John Marsh — "There be Ruth Warner. (Daniel displays annoyance.) 
She but waits for thee to ask her." 

Daniel Marsh — "But surely, my father, thou wouldst not have me take 
Ruth Warner, with her vain flaunting ways?" 

John Marsh — "And why not? Tis true that she hath such ways, but 
(places hand on Daniel's shoulder) her father, Andrew Warner, hath somewhat 
of worldly goods to endow her with." 

Daniel Marsh — "But surely, father, thou wouldst not have me wed Ruth, 
for that?" 

John Marsh — "Ah, Daniel, it were unseemingly of me to suggest that. 
Far be it from me to cherish such thought, after chiding thee for thy devo- 
tion to Hannah Lewis. I was ever anxious for thy welfare as it seemed to 
me. But, oh my son, wilt thou not consider my wishes for thee to give up 
thy wandering life, and settle down in Hadley? Thy father be aged, my son, 
and would fain rest from his labors and it be my earnest wish that thou 
wouldst inherit the homestead where thy mother and I lived so happily to- 
gether when we came into the wilderness to establish a new home for thee, 
and thy brothers and sisters. Thy mother and I lived happily together on the 
homestead while she_was spared to me, and I would fain see thee living as 
happily there. Wilt thou not consider it, my son?" 

(Low music, if desired.) 

Daniel Marsh — (grasping father's hand) "Thou pleadeth well, father. T 
will consider thy wish, and. if I feel strong enough to face the future, and 
what it would of a necessity be, living so near Hannah, and seeing her the 
wife of another, I will let thee know. The night is far spent. Wrap thyself 
in my blanket and get what sleep thou canst by the camp-fire. Teto and I 
will see that thou art well guarded." 

John Marsh — "But thee, Daniel ? Thee will need thy blanket." 

Daniel Marsh — "I am more used to sleeping in the open than thou art. i 
can stand it better than thee. (Wraps blanket about father.) There, rest 
thee. Good night." 

(J. M. lays down in place occupied by Daniel while asleep. Teto folds 
blanket about himself and sits 1. by camp-fire. Daniel walks to f. c.) 

Daniel Marsh — (looking off r. from stage) "There stands Hadley and there 
rests Hannah, the wife of Samuel Crow, my boyhod enemy, (looks c.) How 
calmly the Connecticut flows at my feet, (looks 1.) South of the mountain is 
Springfield. 'Tis there that Hannah and I began our final journey to Hadley, 
alone in a canoe up the river, That was the most pleasant sail I have ever 
taken, and it was Hannah who made it so. How peacefully the Connecticut 
looks in the moonlight tonight. Hadley rests in seeming security inside the 
stockade, yet do I know, full well, that at any time the war-whoop of the 
Indians may be heard on the trail. Mayhap that Hadley may have again felt 
the hate of the savages, ere this, but for their superstition concerning the 
timely arrival of General Goffe at the time of their attack upon Hadley. I can 
never forget the look upon Hannah's face as she hurried toward me after the 
savages had been driven back. 'Twas me, and not Samuel Crow, her hus- 
band, whom she first thought of at that time, and but for Mary Webster she 
might even have fallen into my arms. (Straightens up.) 'Twere well for 
both of us that Mary Webster was so quick to act. Hannah and myself 
would have been placed in an awkward position. Now she is by the side of 
Samuel Crow, and my father be here to entreat me to give up the trail and 
settle down in Hadley. I can but feel that she loveth me, even as I do her, 
and doth not love her husband. Am I man enough to grant his request ? Am 
I strong enough? Would it not be best for us both that I continue on the 
trail? (Sits as if in meditation. Low music. Closed in by Scene 2.) 

Scene 2 — Ferry Gate, lower end of Hadley Street, a few days later. Late 
afternoon. As curtain rises, "On the Banks of the Connecticut" ("On the 
Banks of the Wabash," revised to Connecticut river) may be sung. Daniel 
Marsh enters r. wearing pack which he unfastens and drops to the ground, 
as he enters. 

Daniel Marsh — "Back in dear old Hadley once more, and, as in years gone 
by, I return as if in fear; yet I have no sense of fear. There are none here to 
do me harm. I have no enemies in Hadley, unless it be Samuel Crow, who, 
ere this, must have discovered that, even if he doth have Hannah Lewis for 






"24 

his wife, he doth not have her full love. I have always thought that, had she 
chosen for herself, 'tis I, and not Samuel Crow, she would have chosen. While 
I only mistrusted before then, that she preferred me to him, her very looks, 
at the time of the attack of the Indians, made me certain that 
though she was another's wife, she cared for me. Had it been 
otherwise, Samuel Crow, and not I, would have been her first thought 
after the savages had been repulsed. Today, for some reason, 1 
feel that a great change is to come into my life. Doth it portend for good, or 
bad? (Places hand to head.) I know not, but that a great change is to take 
place. I feel — (Recovering.) Well, there be no use in meditating upon it. What- 
ever the change may be, I will try to meet it, as I have other happenings. (En- 
ter, 1., Elizabeth Markham.) Ah, Aunt Elizabeth, (greeting her) as has gener- 
ally been the case, you have been the first to greet me upon my return to Had- 
ley. Your face is the first one that I have looked upon. How doth it 
happen that you are generally at the Ferry Gate when I return?" 

Elizabeth Markham — "Ah, Daniel, seldom doth a day pass but what I 
come to the ferry gate to see, if, perchance, you may not come back. Many 
times have I pictured to myself, you lying in some lonely place, having fallen 
from a savage's shot. What doth bring you back this time?" 

Daniel Marsh — "I hardly know myself why I come back at this time, but 
something seemed to urge me to. Many times have I been as far as Mt. 
Holyoke and gazed down upon Hadley from its summit, and always have I 
longed to give up the trail, and my wilderness life, and to settle down to a 
quiet and peaceful life in Hadley; then memories have driven me back into 
the wilderness again." (Displays emotion.) 

Elizabeth Markham — " Tis but natural that thou shouldst have longings 
to settle down in this peaceful village, and why dost thee not?" 
Daniel Marsh — "Memories, Aunt Elizabeth. Memories." 
Elizabeth Markham — (placing hand on his shoulder) "Ah, Daniel, full 
well do I know what those memories be, but thou shouldst rise above them. 
Thou art yet young. It ought not to be difficult for thee to find a mate." 
Dar.ie! Marsh — " 'Tis to secure that mate that I have returned." 
Elizabeth Markham — "Then thou art thinking of giving up the trail and 
settling down to the quiet life of the village?" 

Daniel Marsh — "A few nights ago my father came to me in my camp on 
Mt. Holyoke and urged me to return. Last night as I stood upon the moun- 
tain top I seemed to look forward into the years that are to come, and beheld 
these pine woods to the east of us fallen beneath the woodman's ax, and 
happy homes taking the place of the pine woods. I seemed to see the plow 
turning up the soil that is now covered with trees, and fertile fields taking 
their place. I seemed to see Northampton grown to a large town. On the 
hills to the east, another town. Looking up this beautiful valley, other towns 
and villages seemed to have arisen. To the south of the mountains, other 
towns; then I fancied that I could hear happy childish voices singing where 
all is now silent woods. Then it was, Aunt Elizabeth, that the thought came 
to me, — 'What are you doing to help along this chanjre ? What are you doing 
to fulfill man's mission upon the earth, rearing families and carrying on the 
work of civilization?' Such a revulsion of feelings came over me that I re- 
solved to come back and become a part of that erreat body of force that will 
transform this wilderness into happy homes. When my father visited me in 
my camp, he urged me to come back and marry. As thou knoweth, it has 
long been my step-omther's wish that I should wed Ruth Warner. Thou also 
knoweth that she hath not been indifferent to me? Well, I have come back 
to Ruth." 

Elizabeth Markhan— (quickly) "But doth thou love her, Daniel?" 
Daniel Marsh— (shrugging shoulders) "No. But what doth it matter? 
As lorn? as it must needs be some one, it may as well be Ruth Warner." 
(Marv Webster enters, 1., steps just inside.) 
Elizabeth Markham— "But dost thou love Ruth Warner?" 
Mary Webster— (stepping quickly toward them) "Who talketh of loving 
Ruth Warner? Surely not thee, Daniel Marsh?" 

Daniel Marsh— "I said nought of lovint? her, but marrying her." 
Mary Webster— "Thou, Daniel Marsh ? Wouldst thou narry Ruth War- 
ner? (D. M. nods.) Hast heard of the Falls fight? (E. M. tries to silence 



25 

Tier.) And whv not Elizabeth Markham? Again I ask thee, Daniel Marsh, 
Hast heard of the Falls fight?" 

Daniel Marsh — (indifferently) "Yes, I heard of it, but nought of the par- 
ticulars. Were any from Hadley in it?" 

Mary Webster — (goes close to D. M.) "Listen, Daniel Marsh. Samuel 
Crew was anion ^ the slain!" 

Daniel Marsh — (excitedly) "Samuel Crow among the slain? Then Hannah 
it? free!" 

Mary Webster — "Ye-e-ss, she be free from Samwell Crow, but she hath 
three young crows. Wouldst thou take the three young Crows into thy fam- 
ily? Ha, ha! Daniel Marsh fathering Samwell Crow's children! Canst thou 
do that, Daniel Marsh?" 

(Daniel hastily exits, r.) 

Mary Webster — "Ha, ha! He loves the mother, but could not take the 
children, too." 

Elizabeth Markham — (impatiently) "Why didst thou say that, Mary Web- 
ster? Why wilt thou let thy hasty temper pierce Daniel? Hath he not done 
enough for thee to restrain thy unhappy temper toward him ? " 

Mary Webster — " 'Twere well for thee, Elizabeth Markham, that my 
husband be thy brother, else my hasty temper, as thou are pleased to call it, 
might also fall upon thee, (recovering herself.) But why should we quarrel 
over Daniel ? Even though I am his aunt by marriage only, do I not also feel 
for him, even as thou dost? If he truly loveth Hannah Lewis, will Samwell 
Crow's children stand long between them. Thinketh thou, that Ruth Warner, 
with her vain, flaunting ways, will ever win Daniel Marsh, now that Hannah 
Lewis be free?" 

Elizabeth Markham — "I verily believe. Mary, that thou speaketh truly. 
Daniel hath seen none to fill Hannah's place in his affections." 

Marv Webster- — "Humph! There be others as comelv as Hannah Crow." 

(M. W. exit, r.) 

Elizabeth Markham — (aside) "If so be that Daniel can brook the thought 
of Samuel Crow's children, he may yet be happy in Hadley. He hath waited 
long for Hannah. (Enter Hepzibah Marsh and Ruth Wanrer.) Good morrow, 
Hepzibah and Ruth." 

Hepzibah Marsh — "The same to thee, Elizabeth. Hast thou seen Daniel 
this dav?" 

Elizabeth Markham — "He hath but now gone without the gate. If thou 
be seeking him, thou better wait awhile, for, as thou knoweth, he be liable to 
come back at any time, or stay away longer." (Exit 1.) 

Ruth Warner — "What thinketh thee, goody Marsh, that Daniel will soon 
return?" 

Hepzibah Marsh — "Who can say ? As Elizabeth hath just said, he be lia- 
ble to return soon, or go away a<?ain. It hath ever been so since Hannah 
Lewis and Samuel Crow were wed." 

(Mary Webster enters r., unnoticed by them.) 

Ruth Warner — "Thinketh thou that Samuel Crow's death will please 
him?" 

Hepzibah Marsh — "He will not be sorry." 

Hannah Crow enters 1., unnoticed by them. Sees them and steps at side, 
and conceals herself.) 

Ruth Warner — "Dost thou think that he will seek out Hannah Lewis, 
now that she be a widow?" 

Hepzibah Marsh — "Were it for me to say, thou knoweth that thou, and 
not Hannah Lewis, would win Daniel." 

Ruth Warner — "As thou knoweth, I would not tell him nay." 

Mary Webster — (stepping quickly forward) "Yes, Ruth Warner, Hepzi- 
bah Marsh do know that, and so do others in Hadley. Ha, ha! Few there be 
in Hadley but what have seen thee flaunting thy vain ways before him. Daniel, 
himself, hath known it too, but 'twere well for thee, Ruth Warner, to remember 
that Hannah Lewis be now a widow, but she hath three young Crows. Were 
it not for them, Daniel Marsh would not wait long before he wooed Hannah 
Lewis, but methinks Samwell Crow's children do not appeal to him, as would 
Samwell Crow's widow. Ha, ha! Daniel Marsh fathering Samwell Crow's 
children. Ha-a-a! (Exit 1. without noticing Hannah Lewis.) 



26 

Ruth Warner — "Oh, but Mary Webster hath an evil temper. No wonder 
she be called a witch." 

Hepzibah Marsh — "Of a truth she doth have a sharp tongue, but mayhap 
she spake truly when she said Daniel would not father Samuel Crow's children. 
We may as well go back. Were Daniel near the gate, Mary Webster would 
have seen him." (H. M. and R. W. exit 1.) 

Hannah Lewis — (stepping from concealment) "Why did I come to the 
ferry gate, and why do I feel so relieved? My husband hath but lately been 
slain, yet I do not feel that I can mourn for him. Even when they told me 
that Samuel had been slain in the Falls fight, I did not feel cast down. At the 
time most wives would have grieved, my thoughts went to Daniel that I was 
free to wed him, should he wish it. Yea, all these years that I have been 
another's wife, Daniel hath been uppermost in my thoughts. That he might 
possibly enter the ferry gate is what called me here today, and what do I 
learn? His step-mother, and his uncle's wife agree that my children will 
stand between us, because they be Samuel Crow's. Is that the punishment 
meted out to me for allowing my mind to dwell so much upon Daniel, when I 
was another's wife? (Displays emotion, then quickly recovers self and says 
with decision.) Very well! So be it. If Daniel Marsh doth love me but because 
of my children, he will not come to me, I will not give him the opportunity. 
(Softening.) Tis here, by the ferry gate, that we entered Hadley together. 
I can never forget the journey up the river alone in a cano with him, when we 
came up from Springfield. I was led to believe that it was to care for my 
grand-sire, why I was summoned to Hadley, and bitter it was to learn that 
Samuel Crow and not my grand-sire, was the reason for my summons. I had 
never seen Samuel until I arrived in Hadley, and knew not of the agreement 
between him and my people. O, Daniel, Daniel! Had I only known, then per- 
haps I would not have allowed my maiden fancy to dwell on thee. Thou hast 
never wed. Was it because of me ? Now I am free, yet 'tis said that, because 
of my children, thou wilt think of me only as a friend. (Firmly.) So be 
it, though my heart break. If thou wilt not receive my children, thou shalt 
not receive me." (Moves slowly 1. Low music. Daniel Marsh enters r., sees 
Hannah Lewis.) 

Daniel Marsh — (in eager aside) "Hannah at the ferry gate? Why is she 
here? Doth she seek me? (aloud.) Hannah." 

(She stops and turns toward him; makes as if to go to him; then changes 
mind and says, — ) 

Hannah Lewis — "Good evening, Daniel. Thou dost not return to Hadley 
as often as thou used to." 

Daniel Marsh — "Memories have constantly driven me back into the wil- 
derness. (Hesitates, then holds out arms to her.) Thou knowest what those 
memories be, Hannah. Almost upon this very spot we entered the ferry gate 
together when thou didst first come to Hadley. I loved thee then. I love 
thee now, Hannah. 'Tis in thy power whether I go back to the wilderness 
again, or remain in Hadley. What be thy will, Hannah?" 

(She appears about to relent and fall into his arms, then changes mind 
and motions as if to repulse him.) 

Hannah Lewis — (with dignity) "Thou forgeteth thyself, Daniel Marsh. 
(He lets his arms fall to his sides.) Hath thou forgotten that though my hus- 
band hath been slain, that his children are mine, also?" 

Daniel Marsh— "Why doth thee speak so to me, Hannah ? Of a surety do 
I know that Samuel hath left his children to thee to care for, but, Hannah, 
they are thine, too." 

Hannah Lewis — "Say no more. Thinketh thou that Samuel Crow's widow 
would repudiate her children to please thee? If thou thinketh that, Daniel 
Marsh, remember that a mother's love is supreme over all else." 

Daniel Marsh — "I have not asked thee to repudiate thy children, Hannah. 
My love for thee would, indeed, be unworthy, if it did not also be strong 
enough to receive thy children." 

(Mary Webster enters hastily r.) 

Mary Webster— "Tut, tut, Hannah Lewis. Thinketh thou that Daniel 
Marsh be so brutal as to ask thee to repudiate thy children?" 



Hannah Lewis — "Mary Webster, it be but now that I heard thee ridicul- 
ing the thought that Samuel Crow's children would be received by Daniel 
Marsh. His step-mother also said so." 

Mary Webster — " 'Twere well for thee, Hannah Lewis, if thou wouldst 
hear what Daniel sayeth, and not what idle gossip says. It might be well if 
thou wouldst listen to what his mother's sister sayeth. Here she come. (En- 
ter Elizabeth Markham, 1.) Elizabeth, what thinketh thou Hannah Lewis 
thinks about thy nephew? That thy sister's son would not have her because 
of Samuel Crow's children." 

Elizabeth Markham — "It matters not what she thinketh, but what Daniel 
says." 

Daniel Marsh — "Never were truer words spoken, Hannah. Canst thou 
forget the happy days we journeyed together when thou wert coming to 
Hadley? Canst thou forget the time that we entered the ferry gate together, 
so many long years ago ? I can only repeat, — I loved thee then. I love thee 
now. Willingly would I make a home for thy children, if thou wouldst let 
me. Have I waited all these years in vain? (Steps to c. and holds out arms to 
her.) Dost believe me, Hannah?" 

(She falls into his arms.) 

Hannah Lewis — "Yes, Daniel, I do believe. I have loved thee even when 
apart from thee." 

(Curtain.) 



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